Seminar on Plastic Pollution
Plastics were one of the great discoveries of the 20th century and have revolutionised many human activities. In the 21st century we are finding that there are mounting environmental problems associated with them. Plastic waste is persistent and durable in the environment and we are facing an emerging environmental crisis associated with marine litter and plastic waste across the world.
What is state of the art of plastic pollution research in the Social Sciences? What are preliminary findings? How can SUSY researchers and students get involved?
We’re delighted to host two distinguished scholars working on plastic pollution and sustainability.
Dr. Masazumi AO, Professor, Yokohama City University, Graduate School of Urban Social and Culture Studies.
Dr. Tobias Dan Nielsen, postdoc, Department of Political Science, Lund University, part of STEPS – Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways
About Dr. Ao’s work:
My research aims to establish the framework for recovery of the marine environment through coordination between upstream and downstream. Particularly, countries in Asia and the Pacific are major sources of marine pollution, including marine plastic litter, and also highly vulnerable to its impacts. Strengthening regional ocean governance and partnerships is essential in addressing these issues effectively. We thinking about “Social System of the Sustainable Consumption Products (SCP)”. 1) Consider the problem of the life cycle environment (products, marketing, sales, consumption, and disposal) of plastic products including toxic substances from upstream to downstream. 2) Consider how to specifically focus on the method of resolution for changing ideas about disposable plastic products and altering the social system.
About STEPS:
STEPS is a research program with a vision of a future society where plastics are sustainably produced, used and recycled. STEPS goal is to facilitate this transition by sharing innovation, knowledge and findings between academia, industry and society. STEPS partners include Lund University, Swedish Agricultural University, Swerea IVF, and 18 industrial partners and County council of Scania county of Sweden representing the entire value chains in a sustainable plastics system. STEPS is looking for sustainable solutions throughout the value chain from renewable feedstock, conversion and design to post-consumer plastic waste handling. STEPS concept is to design sustainable plastics with desired material properties and life-cycle by matching suitable carbon-neutral building blocks.